New ice arena in Fairmont

To the editor:

The idea of a new ice arena has been a contentious topic of debate in Fairmont and the surrounding area since the idea was first brought to light. While the debate has centered around the costs of this endeavor, not much has been researched or discussed in terms of what a new ice arena will do in terms of economic output in the city.

In 2020, the Hermantown (MN) Amateur Hockey Association teamed up with the University of Minnesota-Duluth to partake in a study that would estimate the economic impact of a 2nd ice arena within city limits. As a baseline, the study showed the existing arena contributed $1.2M in output itself and while looking at the larger area as a whole, between the games and 14 tournaments hosted, provided $3.5M in output. For Hermantown to add a 2nd arena, it was projected that these numbers would increase to $2M and $5M, respectively. On top of this, the construction of the new arena was expected to bring in 280 jobs over a 2-year period, contributing $13.3M to the local GDP and $25.1M in output. While not an apples-to-apples comparison to Fairmont due to the new arena here being a “replacement”, one could argue that our impact could be larger due to fact that Hermantown was only projecting a 30 percent increase in hockey tournaments and games, and our opportunity is much higher.

As it currently sits, our current arena, while maintained the best it can, is too dated and not an attractive place to play for traveling hockey teams. It is also limited in it’s appeal due to being one the last arenas around who depends on cold weather to operate. It should not be taken lightly that with a new ice arena, and the right planning, Fairmont could attract more visitors to our hotels, restaurants, gas stations, and stores through hockey tournaments and expanded games. Fairmont sits in a prime location on the I-90 corridor, centrally located to attract teams from Southern MN, Northern IA and beyond. This arena not only makes sense for the intangible benefits it brings to the community, but it makes sense economically, too.

Micah Anderson

Columbia Heights